It did stop raining for a little while but it was chilly and windy. It probably wouldn't have been too bad if I had been seriously doing sweat work but since I will be outside all day tomorrow working in the garden and since it's been sprinkling rain off and on most of the day I decided to make this a day of organization. I pulled my map of the herb garden and made sure I knew where everything was going to be planted. I've also got to tell you something and come clean too. Last year I found a plantain plant (plantago major) that was super, super huge and I thought wow, what a specimen. I planted that baby in my herb garden and again, wow, now this year I have several beautiful specimens. They look amazing! Most people would probably consider them a weed, I know; but they are actually quite pretty and useful. I was probably silly putting it in my herb garden but I use it, I think it's pretty - so why not?
But now listen up - plantain is an alterative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anthelmintic, antivenomousastringent, expectorant, decongestant, demulcent, deobstruent, diuretic, febrifuge, hemostatic, kidney tonic, ophthalmic, mucilaginous, refrigerant, restorative, vulnerary, laxative, mucilaginous, and a styptic. Plantain draws toxins from the body, removes splinters and slivers (soak in hot tea for 20-30 minutes), helps stings, insect and spider bites when used as a poultice. It's great in an emergency for cuts, abrasions, bruises, wounds, burns, etc.(excellent to use on animals also), used for skin eruptions such as boils, eczema, psoriasis, rashes –including poison ivy, although if I can find it, I prefer jewelweed. It can stimulate new cell growth, is helpful with bronchitis, coughs, chest congestion, colds, asthma, anything to do with the lungs, sore throat, dry itchy throat, and laryngitis. For athletes foot, ringworm or other skin fungus soak in a plantain tea then apply poultice. There are just so many ways to use plantain. If you're out in the woods, just pluck a few leave and chew on them, mashing the leaves up really well, then place it on your splinter or sting. It will draw out the splinter and ease the stinging pain. (if you're online a nice comfortable place to learn more about herbs is anniesplacetolearn.com)
So while I have to laugh at how fast that baby spread I'm still glad I planted it in my garden.
Anyway, now that I have that out of the way - I'm busy trying to decide where to plant my borage and this year I'm also planting chia seeds and cumin which I have no idea whether I can even get to grow. I've never planted those two before but I'm going to try it!
I made a quick trip out to the herb garden and cut some cilantro. I have 3 avocados that are calling my name and guacamole is all I can think about right now. Ever do that? Get so hungry for one special food and if you don't get it you feel like you're going to go crazy - well, I'm there?!!
See Ya!